West Ham United: Summer transfer ‘priority’ emerges as new David Moyes question asked
Frank McAvennie has insisted signing a new centre-back should be the priority for West Ham in the summer transfer window to replace Kurt Zouma and Konstantinos Mavropanos.
He claimed the Hammers could even sign two new centre-backs given the inconsistency of Zouma and Mavropanos which has drawn them plenty of criticism this season.
The former Hammer also questioned why David Moyes hasn’t opted to play Angelo Ogbonna ahead of either of the current starting pair at the London Stadium.
McAvennie – speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone – admitted he is “concerned” about Zouma’s form in particular given his recent performances.
“You’ve got to have a solid back four. I like Coufal, I really do, I’ve always liked him. I’m not too keen on the left-back [Emerson], but the two players in centre-back… Surely Ogbonna is better than that?” McAvennie questioned.
“What happened to Ogbonna? Why is he out so far that when I look at Zouma and just think ‘My god…’ then I look at the other boy. They can’t run. No matter how hard the big boy tries, he might be trying too hard.
“For me, it would be a top priority. Two. It depends on who’s the backup. I don’t get why Ogbonna isn’t playing, but David Moyes sees him every day in training.
“Zouma might be great in a compact game but on a big pitch, he’s getting pulled all over the place. I’m concerned.“
Could West Ham sign a new centre-back in the transfer window?
Defensive issues have been a frequent talking point at the London Stadium this season, particularly given the inconsistent performances of all three of Zouma, Mavropanos and Nayef Aguerd, and it could be time to explore new options in defence.
In the wake of Mavropanos’ own goal against Burnley, McAvennie insisted he is not good enough to start every week, with constant mistakes being made which led the former Hammer to claim he is never confident they will keep a clean sheet.
Ogbonna, despite being 35 years old now, has recently had his contract extended to keep him at the London Stadium for at least another season, showing the value he adds to the squad and adding further fuel to the questions about his position.
With a new striker also at the top of the list in terms of transfer targets given the lack of options at Moyes’ disposal, it could be yet another busy transfer window for the Hammers to plug gaps in their squad.
In other West Ham news, a Real Madrid transfer for Lucas Paqueta has been mooted.
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